Power semiconductor device module

ABSTRACT

A power semiconductor device module includes a plurality of inverters, each having a first transistor and a second transistor that are interposed in series between a first potential and a second potential and that operate complementarily. The plurality of inverters are assembled into a module. Only one predetermined inverter of the plurality of inverters is configured to detect temperatures of the first and second transistors, and control terminals for detection of the temperatures of the first and second transistors protrude from sides of the module.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a power semiconductor device module having mounted thereon a voltage drive type semiconductor device such as IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor).

2. Description of the Background Art

In a power semiconductor device module, an electrical wiring connected to a semiconductor device mounted on the module is generally made from copper or the like which has a low electrical resistance and is inexpensive. The current density is designed such that heat generation upon passage of current does not exceed the heat-resistant temperature of the semiconductor device and the members composing the power semiconductor device module.

Meanwhile, miniaturization of the power semiconductor device module has been advanced year by year due to a reduction in the loss of semiconductor device mounted on the module and improvements in cooling performance and insulation performance. Along with this, implementation of integration where the module includes a plurality of semiconductor devices and implementation of intelligence where the module has the function of protecting the semiconductor device from overcurrent and overheat have also been advanced.

Hence, the number of external terminals of the power semiconductor device module has significantly increased, and miniaturization of principal current wiring has reached a limit. Thus, to advance miniaturization of the power semiconductor device module, there is a need to eliminate wasted space as much as possible to place electrical wiring. In particular, since the external terminals connected to external wiring are exposed to air, insulation distance needs to be secured from the electrical wiring within the power semiconductor device module which is covered with an insulating material. Thus, to miniaturize the power semiconductor device module, there is a need to reduce the number of external terminals as much as possible and thoroughly consider an exposure location.

For a conventional technique for an integrated power semiconductor device module, there is, for example, as disclosed in FIG. 11 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-249364, a power semiconductor device module of a 6-in-1 structure where six semiconductor devices are assembled into a module.

The power semiconductor device module described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-249364 adopts a configuration in which five control terminals are pulled out of each of the six semiconductor devices through bonding wires. The five control terminals generally include a gate terminal that controls the passage of current of the semiconductor device; an emitter sense terminal; a current sense terminal for protecting the semiconductor device from overcurrent; and anode and cathode terminals of a temperature sense diode for protecting the semiconductor device from overheat. Hence, the power semiconductor device module described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-249364 has difficulty in miniaturization due to a large number of control terminals.

In addition, there is a problem that wiring inductance is large, since wiring on the direct-current high-voltage side and wiring on the direct-current low-voltage side are provided at distant locations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to miniaturize a power semiconductor device module by reducing the number of external terminals as much as possible, and to reduce wiring inductance.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power semiconductor device module including a plurality of inverters, each having a first transistor and a second transistor, the first and second transistors being interposed in series between a first potential and a second potential and operating complementarily, and the plurality of inverters being assembled into a module, in which only one predetermined inverter of the plurality of inverters is configured to detect temperatures of the first and second transistors, and control terminals for detection of the temperatures of the first and second transistors protrude from sides of the module.

According to the power semiconductor device module, since the number of control terminals for temperature detection can be reduced, the power semiconductor device module can be miniaturized.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module of a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module of the first preferred embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module of the first preferred embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module of a second preferred embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module of the second preferred embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module of the second preferred embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module of a third preferred embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module of the third preferred embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module of a fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a side view showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module of the fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module 100 of a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view as viewed from the side of a direct-current high-voltage terminal 2. In both drawings, a mold resin 8 is omitted. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, the power semiconductor device module 100 includes six semiconductor chip groups 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d, 11 e, and 11 f including IGBT chips 9 a, 9 b, 9 c, 9 d, 9 e, and 9 f having a temperature detection function; and diode chips 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, 10 e, and 10 f which are connected in anti-parallel with the IGBT chips 9 a to 9 f, respectively.

The semiconductor chip groups 11 a and 11 b in a set, the semiconductor chip groups 11 c and 11 d in a set, and the semiconductor chip groups 11 e and 11 f in a set each are connected in series with each other, and output terminals 4, 5, and 6 are connected to the respective connection nodes.

The collector sides of the IGBT chips 9 a, 9 c, and 9 e (the cathode sides of the diode chips 10 a, 10 c, and 10 e) included in the semiconductor chip groups 11 a, 11 c, and 11 e are connected in parallel with one another, and the direct-current high-voltage terminal 2 is connected to the connection node therebetween.

The emitter sides of the IGBT chips 9 b, 9 d, and 9 f (the anode sides of the diode chips 10 b, 10 d, and 10 f) included in the semiconductor chip groups 11 b, 11 d, and 11 f are connected in parallel with one another, and a direct-current low-voltage terminal 3 is connected to the connection node therebetween.

Control terminal groups 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 7 d, 7 e, and 7 f are connected to the IGBT chips 9 a to 9 f, respectively.

By the above-described configuration, it can be said that the semiconductor chip groups 11 a and 11 b are a single inverter composed of transistors and free wheeling diodes which are inserted in series between the direct-current high-voltage terminal 2 (which provides a first potential) and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 3 (which provides a second potential) and which operate complementarily.

In addition, the semiconductor chip groups 11 c and 11 d can be said to be a single inverter composed of transistors and free wheeling diodes which are inserted in series between the direct-current high-voltage terminal 2 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 3 and which operate complementarily.

In addition, the semiconductor chip groups 11 e and 11 f can be said to be a single inverter composed of transistors and free wheeling diodes which are inserted in series between the direct-current high-voltage terminal 2 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 3 and which operate complementarily.

The control terminal group 7 a includes a gate terminal 711 that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip 9 a; an emitter sense terminal 712 that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal 713 for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip 9 a.

The control terminal group 7 b includes a gate terminal 721 that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip 9 b; an emitter sense terminal 722 that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal 723 for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip 9 b.

The control terminal group 7 c includes a gate terminal 731 that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip 9 c; an emitter sense terminal 732 that detects an output from an emitter; a current sense terminal 733 for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip 9 c; and an anode terminal 734 and a cathode terminal 735 of a temperature sense diode 51 for detecting a temperature of the IGBT chip 9 c.

The control terminal group 7 d includes a gate terminal 741 that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip 9 d; an emitter sense terminal 742 that detects an output from an emitter; a current sense terminal 743 for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip 9 d; and an anode terminal 744 and a cathode terminal 745 of a temperature sense diode 52 for detecting a temperature of the IGBT chip 9 d.

Note that the temperature sense diodes 51 and 52 are provided within the IGBT chips 9 c and 9 d, respectively, and only anode pads and cathode pads are exposed to the top surfaces of the IGBT chips. Note also that although other IGBT chips also include temperature sense diodes, since, as will be described later, other IGBT chips do not use the temperature sense diodes, the temperature sense diodes are not shown in FIG. 3.

The control terminal group 7 e includes a gate terminal 751 that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip 9 e; an emitter sense terminal 752 that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal 753 for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip 9 e.

The control terminal group 7 f includes a gate terminal 761 that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip 9 f; an emitter sense terminal 762 that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal 763 for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip 9 f.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gate terminals 711, 721, 731, 741, 751, and 761 are electrically connected to gate pads (not shown) of the IGBT chips 9 a to 9 f, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum, and the emitter sense terminals 712, 722, 732, 742, 752, and 762 are electrically connected to emitter electrodes (not shown) of the IGBT chips 9 a to 9 f, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum.

In addition, the current sense terminals 713, 723, 733, 743, 753, and 763 are electrically connected to current sense pads (not shown) of the IGBT chips 9 a to 9 f, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum.

The anode terminal 734 and the cathode terminal 735 are electrically connected to an anode pad (not shown) and a cathode pad (not shown) of the temperature sense diode 51, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum, and the anode terminal 744 and the cathode terminal 745 are electrically connected to an anode pad (not shown) and a cathode pad (not shown) of the temperature sense diode 52, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum.

As such, the power semiconductor device module 100 is configured as a three-phase inverter circuit, and includes control terminals for detecting currents and temperatures to protect the IGBT chips from overcurrent and overheat.

As shown in FIG. 1, the IGBT chips 9 a, 9 c, and 9 e and the diode chips 10 a, 10 c, and 10 e which serve as the high-voltage side are provided on an electrode pattern 12 a such that the IGBT chips 9 a, 9 c, and 9 e are provided in a line in this order and the diode chips 10 a, 10 c, and 10 e are provided in a line in this order in parallel with the IGBT chips 9 a, 9 c, and 9 e. Note that the IGBT chips 9 a, 9 c, and 9 e are arranged at a location near the outer side of the power semiconductor device module 100, and the diode chips 10 a, 10 c, and 10 e are arranged at a location near the center of the power semiconductor device module 100.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 2, the IGBT chip 9 e and the diode chip 10 e are mounted on the electrode pattern 12 a with solder layers 14 a and 14 b respectively provided therebetween, and the same applies to the IGBT chips 9 a and 9 c and the diode chips 10 a and 10 c.

The IGBT chip 9 b and the diode chip 10 b which serve as the low-voltage side are provided in parallel with each other on an electrode pattern 12 b. On the electrode pattern 12 b, the diode chip 10 b is arranged at a location near the center of the power semiconductor device module 100, and the IGBT chip 9 b is arranged at a location near the outer side of the power semiconductor device module 100.

The IGBT chip 9 d and the diode chip 10 d which serve as the low-voltage side are provided in parallel with each other on an electrode pattern 12 c. On the electrode pattern 12 c, the diode chip 10 d is arranged at a location near the center of the power semiconductor device module 100, and the IGBT chip 9 d is arranged at a location near the outer side of the power semiconductor device module 100.

The IGBT chip 9 f and the diode chip 10 f which serve as the low-voltage side are provided in parallel with each other on an electrode pattern 12 d. On the electrode pattern 12 d, the diode chip 10 f is arranged at a location near the center of the power semiconductor device module 100, and the IGBT chip 9 f is arranged at a location near the outer side of the power semiconductor device module 100.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 2, the IGBT chip 9 f and the diode chip 10 f are mounted on the electrode pattern 12 d with solder layers 14 c and 14 d respectively provided therebetween, and the same applies to the IGBT chips 9 b and 9 d and the diode chips 10 b and 10 d except that the electrode patterns to which they are mounted are different from the electrode pattern 12 d.

Note that the electrode patterns 12 a to 12 d are formed of a metal such as copper, and are arranged on an insulating substrate 13 formed of a filler-filled epoxy resin, ceramic, etc., and the electrode patterns 12 b to 12 d are provided in a line in the order of the electrode patterns 12 b to 12 d so as to be adjacent to the electrode pattern 12 a.

As described above, since the IGBT chip 9 c is sandwiched between the IGBT chips 9 a and 9 e, the IGBT chip 9 c has a lower cooling capability than the IGBT chips 9 a and 9 e and thus there is a possibility that the temperature of the IGBT chip 9 c becomes higher than those of the IGBT chips 9 a and 9 e due to heat generation caused by passage of current. Likewise, since the IGBT chip 9 d is sandwiched between the IGBT chips 9 b and 9 f, the IGBT chip 9 d has a lower cooling capability than the IGBT chips 9 b and 9 f and thus there is a possibility that the temperature of the IGBT chip 9 d becomes higher than those of the IGBT chips 9 b and 9 f due to heat generation caused by passage of current.

Therefore, locations where temperature is monitored for overheat protection operation of the IGBT chips are only the IGBT chips 9 c and 9 d which have the highest possibility of increasing in temperature.

One end of each of the output terminals 4 to 6 and one end of each of the control terminal groups 7 a, 7 c, and 7 e of the respective IGBT chips 9 a, 9 c, and 9 e protrude in the same direction outwardly from one side of the mold resin 8 whose top-view shape is rectangular. The output terminal 4 and the control terminal group 7 a, the output terminal 5 and the control terminal group 7 c, and the output terminal 6 and the control terminal group 7 e protrude outwardly so as to be close to each other.

Note that the one end of the output terminal 4 is connected to an emitter pad (not shown) and an anode pad (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chip 9 a and the diode chip 10 a, and the other end is connected to the electrode pattern 12 b.

The one end of the output terminal 5 is connected to an emitter pad (not shown) and an anode pad (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chip 9 c and the diode chip 10 c, and the other end is connected to the electrode pattern 12 c.

The one end of the output terminal 6 is connected to an emitter pad (not shown) and an anode pad (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chip 9 e and the diode chip 10 e, and the other end is connected to the electrode pattern 12 d.

One end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal 2 is connected to a portion of the electrode pattern 12 a adjacent to the diode chip 10 e, and the other end protrudes outwardly from a side of the mold resin 8 that is on the opposite side from the direction in which the output terminals 4 to 6 and the control terminal groups 7 a, 7 c, and 7 e protrude.

On the other hand, the direct-current low-voltage terminal 3 is connected in a shared manner to emitter pads (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chips 9 b, 9 d, and 9 f and to anode pads (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective diode chips 10 b, 10 d, and 10 f. One end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal 3 and one end of each of the control terminal groups 7 b, 7 d, and 7 f of the respective IGBT chips 9 b, 9 d, and 9 f protrude in the same direction outwardly from the side that is on the opposite side from the direction in which the output terminals 4 to 6 and the control terminal groups 7 a, 7 c, and 7 e protrude. Note that the one end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal 3 protrudes from a location adjacent to the control terminal group 7 f, and the other end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal 2 protrudes so as to be adjacent to the direct-current low-voltage terminal 3 on the side opposite to the control terminal group 7 f.

In the power semiconductor device module 100 described above, a voltage applied between a gate pad, a current sense pad, the anode and cathode pads of a temperature sense diode, and an emitter electrode is very small and is on the order of 15 to 20 V at the maximum. Hence, the insulation distance between the control terminals in the control terminal groups 7 a to 7 f connected to those pads and the electrode can be reduced and thus the control terminals can be disposed so as to be close to each other.

In addition, the output terminal 4 corresponds to the emitter electrode of the IGBT chip 9 a, the output terminal 5 corresponds to the emitter electrode of the IGBT chip 9 c, and the output terminal 6 corresponds to the emitter electrode of the IGBT chip 9 e. Hence, since voltages applied between the output terminal 4 and the control terminal group 7 a of the IGBT chip 9 a, between the output terminal 5 and the control terminal group 7 c of the IGBT chip 9 c, and between the output terminal 6 and the control terminal group 7 e of the IGBT chip 9 e are also very small, the insulation distance therebetween can be reduced and thus they can be disposed so as to be close to each other.

In addition, since the direct-current low-voltage terminal 3 corresponds to the emitter electrodes of the IGBT chips 9 b, 9 d, and 9 f, a voltage applied between the direct-current low-voltage terminal 3 and the control terminal groups 7 b, 7 d, and 7 f of the IGBT chips 9 b, 9 d, and 9 f is also very small. Hence, the insulation distance therebetween can be reduced and thus they can be disposed so as to be close to each other. In addition, since a voltage applied between the control terminal groups 7 b, 7 d, and 7 f is also very small, the insulation distance therebetween can be reduced and thus they can be disposed so as to be close to each other.

By thus using the temperature sense diodes 51 and 52 only in the IGBT chips 9 c and 9 d which have the highest possibility of increasing in temperature, and connecting the anode terminal 734 and the cathode terminal 735 to the temperature sense diode 51 and connecting the anode terminal 744 and the cathode terminal 745 to the temperature sense diode 52, temperature control can be performed, and the power semiconductor device module 100 can be miniaturized by reducing the number of control terminals.

In addition, by allowing the direct-current high-voltage terminal 2 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 3 to protrude outwardly so as to be adjacent and close to each other, the wiring inductance between the direct-current high-voltage terminal 2 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 3 can be reduced.

Second Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module 200 of a second preferred embodiment according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a side view as viewed from the side of a direct-current high-voltage terminal 21. In both drawings, a mold resin 25 is omitted. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the power semiconductor device module 200.

As shown in FIG. 6, the power semiconductor device module 200 includes four semiconductor chip groups 28 a, 28 b, 28 c, and 28 d including IGBT chips 26 a, 26 b, 26 c, and 26 d having a temperature detection function; and diode chips 27 a, 27 b, 27 c, and 27 d which are connected in anti-parallel with the IGBT chips 26 a to 26 d, respectively.

The semiconductor chip groups 28 a and 28 b in a set and the semiconductor chip groups 28 c and 28 d in a set each are connected in parallel with each other, and the set of the semiconductor chip groups 28 a and 28 b and the set of the semiconductor chip groups 28 c and 28 d are connected in series with each other.

An output terminal 23 is connected to a connection node where the sets of semiconductor chip groups are connected in series with each other. The direct-current high-voltage terminal 21 is connected to a connection node between the collector sides of the IGBT chips 26 a and 26 b (the cathode sides of the diode chips 27 a and 27 b) included in the semiconductor chip groups 28 a and 28 b.

A direct-current low-voltage terminal 22 is connected to a connection node between the emitter sides of the IGBT chips 26 c and 26 d (the anode sides of the diode chips 27 c and 27 d) included in the semiconductor chip groups 28 c and 28 d.

With the above-described configuration, it can be said that the semiconductor chip groups 28 a and 28 c are a single inverter composed of transistors and free wheeling diodes which are inserted in series between the direct-current high-voltage terminal 21 (which provides a first potential) and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 22 (which provides a second potential) and which operate complementarily, and it can be said that the semiconductor chip groups 28 b and 28 d are a single inverter composed of transistors and free wheeling diodes which are inserted in series between the direct-current high-voltage terminal 21 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 22 and which operate complementarily.

The two inverters share a common output terminal, and the IGBT chips 26 a and 26 b in a set included in the semiconductor chip groups 28 a and 28 b operate in a common manner, the IGBT chips 26 c and 26 d in a set included in the semiconductor chip groups 28 c and 28 d operate in a common manner, and the set of the IGBT chips 26 a and 26 b and the set of the IGBT chips 26 c and 26 d operate complementarily, whereby a half-bridge circuit is formed.

In addition, control terminal groups 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, and 24 d are connected to the IGBT chips 26 a to 26 d, respectively.

The control terminal group 24 a includes a gate terminal 2411 that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip 26 a; an emitter sense terminal 2412 that detects an output from an emitter; a current sense terminal 2413 for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip 26 a; and an anode terminal 2414 and a cathode terminal 2415 of a temperature sense diode 61 for detecting a temperature of the IGBT chip 26 a.

The control terminal group 24 b includes a gate terminal 2421 that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip 26 b; an emitter sense terminal 2422 that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal 2423 for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip 26 b.

The control terminal group 24 c includes a gate terminal 2431 that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip 26 c; an emitter sense terminal 2432 that detects an output from an emitter; a current sense terminal 2433 for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip 26 c; and an anode terminal 2434 and a cathode terminal 2435 of a temperature sense diode 62 for detecting a temperature of the IGBT chip 26 c.

The control terminal group 24 d includes a gate terminal 2441 that applies a gate voltage for driving the IGBT chip 26 d; an emitter sense terminal 2442 that detects an output from an emitter; and a current sense terminal 2443 for detecting a principal current of the IGBT chip 26 d.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the gate terminals 2411, 2421, 2431, and 2441 are electrically connected to gate pads (not shown) of the IGBT chips 26 a to 26 d, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum, and the emitter sense terminals 2412, 2422, 2432, and 2442 are electrically connected to emitter electrodes (not shown) of the IGBT chips 26 a to 26 d, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum.

In addition, the current sense terminals 2413, 2423, 2433, and 2443 are electrically connected to current sense pads (not shown) of the IGBT chips 26 a to 26 d, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum.

The anode terminal 2414 and the cathode terminal 2415 are electrically connected to an anode pad (not shown) and a cathode pad (not shown) of the temperature sense diode 61, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum, and the anode terminal 2434 and the cathode terminal 2435 are electrically connected to an anode pad (not shown) and a cathode pad (not shown) of the temperature sense diode 62, respectively, through wires WR such as aluminum.

As such, the power semiconductor device module 200 forms a half-bridge circuit in which two semiconductor chip groups are connected in parallel with each other, and includes control terminals for detecting currents and temperatures to protect the IGBT chips from overcurrent and overheat.

As shown in FIG. 4, the IGBT chips 26 a and 26 b and the diode chips 27 a and 27 b which serve as the high-voltage side are provided on an electrode pattern 29 a in a line in the order of the IGBT chips 26 a and 26 b, and the diode chips 27 a and 27 b are provided in a line in this order in parallel with the IGBT chips 26 a and 26 b. Note that one end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal 21 is connected to a portion of the electrode pattern 29 a adjacent to the diode chip 27 b, and the other end protrudes from a side of the mold resin 25 so as to pass through over an edge portion of an electrode pattern 29 b on the side of the IGBT chip 26 d and the diode chip 27 d.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 5, the IGBT chip 26 b and the diode chip 27 b are mounted on the electrode pattern 29 a with solder layers 14 a and 14 b respectively provided therebetween, and the same applies to the IGBT chip 26 a and the diode chip 27 a.

Note also that the IGBT chip 26 d and the diode chip 27 d are mounted on the electrode pattern 29 b with solder layers 14 c and 14 d respectively provided therebetween, and the same applies to the IGBT chip 26 c and the diode chip 27 c.

The electrode patterns 29 a and 29 b are formed of a metal such as copper, and are arranged on an insulating substrate 33 formed of a filler-filled epoxy resin, ceramic, etc.

The IGBT chips 26 a and 26 b and the diode chips 27 a and 27 b are connected to a location shifted in an upper direction from the center of the electrode pattern 29 a in order to secure the location of connection of the direct-current high-voltage terminal 21 to the electrode pattern 29 a. Hence, the IGBT chip 26 a connected to a location closer to an edge of the electrode pattern 29 a has a lower cooling capability than the IGBT chip 26 b and thus there is a possibility that the temperature of the IGBT chip 26 a becomes higher than that of the IGBT chip 26 b due to heat generation caused by passage of current. This is due to the fact that since the IGBT chip 26 a is located near the edge of the electrode pattern 29 a, the heating surface area is reduced.

The IGBT chips 26 c and 26 d and the diode chips 27 c and 27 d which serve as the low-voltage side are provided on the electrode pattern 29 b which is provided in parallel with the electrode pattern 29 a, such that the IGBT chips 26 c and 26 d are provided in a line in this order and the diode chips 27 c and 27 d are provided in a line in this order in parallel with the IGBT chips 26 c and 26 d.

Note that the IGBT chips 26 c and 26 d and the diode chips 27 c and 27 d are also connected to a location shifted in an upper direction from the center of the electrode pattern 29 b in order to secure a route where the direct-current high-voltage terminal 21 is provided. Hence, the IGBT chip 26 c connected to a location closer to an edge of the electrode pattern 29 b has a lower cooling capability than the IGBT chip 26 d and thus there is a possibility that the temperature of the IGBT chip 26 c becomes higher than that of the IGBT chip 26 d due to heat generation caused by passage of current. This is due to the fact that since the IGBT chip 26 c is located near the edge of the electrode pattern 29 b, the heating surface area is reduced.

Therefore, locations where temperature is monitored for overheat protection operation of the IGBT chips are only the IGBT chips 26 a and 26 c which have the highest possibility of increasing in temperature.

One end of the output terminal 23 and one end of each of the control terminal groups 24 a and 24 b of the respective IGBT chips 26 a and 26 b protrude in the same direction outwardly from one side of the mold resin 25 whose top-view shape is rectangular. Note that the output terminal 23 and the control terminal groups 24 a and 24 b protrude outwardly so as to be close to each other.

Note that the one end of the output terminal 23 is connected in a shared manner to emitter pads (not shown) and anode pads (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chips 26 a and 26 b and the respective diode chips 27 a and 27 b, and the other end is connected to the electrode pattern 29 b.

On the other hand, one end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal 22 is connected in a shared manner to emitter pads (not shown) and anode pads (not shown) on the top surfaces of the respective IGBT chips 26 c and 26 d and the respective diode chips 27 c and 27 d, and the other end together with the control terminal groups 24 c and 24 d of the IGBT chips 26 c and 26 d protrudes in the same direction outwardly from a side of the mold resin 25 that is on the opposite side from the direction in which the output terminal 23 and the control terminal groups 24 a and 24 b protrude, such that the other end and the control terminal groups 24 c and 24 d are close to one another.

Note that the other end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal 22 protrudes from a location adjacent to the control terminal group 24 d, and the other end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal 21 protrudes so as to be adjacent to the direct-current low-voltage terminal 22 on the side opposite to the control terminal group 24 d.

In the power semiconductor device module 200 described above, by using the temperature sense diodes 61 and 62 only in the IGBT chips 26 a and 26 c which have the highest possibility of increasing in temperatures, and connecting the anode terminal 2414 and the cathode terminal 2415 to the temperature sense diode 61 and connecting the anode terminal 2434 and the cathode terminal 2435 to the temperature sense diode 62, temperature control can be performed, and the power semiconductor device module 200 can be miniaturized by reducing the number of control terminals.

In addition, by allowing the direct-current high-voltage terminal 21 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 22 to protrude outwardly so as to be adjacent and close to each other, the wiring inductance between the direct-current high-voltage terminal 21 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 22 can be reduced.

Third Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module 300 of a third preferred embodiment according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a side view as viewed from the side of a direct-current high-voltage terminal 31 and a direct-current low-voltage terminal 32. In both drawings, a mold resin 8 is omitted.

Note that the power semiconductor device module 300 has the same circuit configuration as the power semiconductor device module 100 of the first preferred embodiment, and is configured as a three-phase inverter circuit and includes control terminals for detecting currents and temperatures to protect IGBT chips from overcurrent and overheat. Note that the same components as those of the power semiconductor device module 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference characters and overlapping description is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the power semiconductor device module 300, the direct-current high-voltage terminal 31 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 32 are provided instead of the direct-current high-voltage terminal 2 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 3, and the direct-current high-voltage terminal 31 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 32 are configured to protrude outwardly from a side of the mold resin 8 in a direction differing by 90 degrees from sides of the mold resin 8 from which control terminal groups 7 a to 7 f protrude outwardly.

Namely, one end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal 31 is connected to a portion of an electrode pattern 12 a adjacent to a diode chip 10 e, and the other end protrudes from a side of the mold resin 8 closest thereto. One end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal 32 protrudes from the side of the mold resin 8 from which the direct-current high-voltage terminal 31 protrudes, so as to be adjacent and close to the direct-current high-voltage terminal 31.

In general, in a power semiconductor device module for a three-phase inverter, a direct-current voltage source is connected to a direct-current high-voltage terminal and a direct-current low-voltage terminal, and a load such as a three-phase motor is connected to three-phase output terminals. With such a configuration, by repetition of switching operation (ON/OFF operation) of IGBT chips 9 a to 9 f and diode chips 10 a to 10 f, three-phase alternating currents are supplied to the load.

Due to the change in current with time (di/dt) caused by the switching operation, there is a possibility that an induced electromotive force caused by electromagnetic induction may be generated in a neighboring electric circuit. If such an induced electromotive force is superimposed on a gate drive circuit of an IGBT chip or a signal circuit of a temperature sensor, etc., then there is a possibility that stable switching operation or secure protection operation may be affected.

In the power semiconductor device module 300, since the direct-current high-voltage terminal 31 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 32 protrude outwardly from a side of the mold resin 8 in a direction differing by 90 degrees from sides of the mold resin 8 from which the control terminal groups 7 a to 7 f protrude outwardly, a magnetic flux generated between the direct-current high-voltage terminal 31 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 32 does not interlink with the control terminal groups 7 a to 7 f, enabling to prevent electromagnetic induction.

In FIG. 7, the directions of magnetic fields generated near the direct-current high-voltage terminal 31 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 32 are indicated by symbols. Since the currents (indicated by arrows) flowing through the direct-current high-voltage terminal 31 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 32, respectively, are in opposite directions, magnetic fields generated around the direct-current high-voltage terminal 31 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 32 by each of the currents are only present between the direct-current high-voltage terminal 31 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 32 and near the direct-current high-voltage terminal 31 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 32, and cancel each other out at a sufficiently distant location.

Hence, stable operation of the IGBT chips and protection operation can be obtained without generating an induced electromotive force in the gate drive circuits of the IGBT chips, the temperature sensor circuits, etc.

Fourth Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a configuration of a power semiconductor device module 400 of a fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a side view as viewed from the side of a direct-current high-voltage terminal 41 and a direct-current low-voltage terminal 42. In both drawings, a mold resin 25 is omitted. Note that the power semiconductor device module 400 has the same circuit configuration as the power semiconductor device module 200 of the second preferred embodiment, and forms a half-bridge circuit in which two semiconductor chip groups are connected in parallel with each other, and includes control terminals for detecting currents and temperatures to protect IGBT chips from overcurrent and overheat. Note that the same components as those of the power semiconductor device module 200 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are denoted by the same reference characters and overlapping description is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the power semiconductor device module 400, the direct-current high-voltage terminal 41 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 42 are provided instead of the direct-current high-voltage terminal 21 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 22, and the direct-current high-voltage terminal 41 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 42 are configured to protrude outwardly from a side of the mold resin 25 in a direction differing by 90 degrees from sides of the mold resin 25 from which control terminal groups 24 a to 24 d protrude outwardly.

One end of the direct-current high-voltage terminal 41 is connected to a portion of an electrode pattern 29 a adjacent to a diode chip 27 b, and the other end protrudes from a side of the mold resin 25 closest thereto. One end of the direct-current low-voltage terminal 42 protrudes from the side of the mold resin 25 from which the direct-current high-voltage terminal 41 protrudes, so as to be adjacent and close to the direct-current high-voltage terminal 41.

With such a configuration, as in the third preferred embodiment, a magnetic flux generated near the direct-current high-voltage terminal 41 and the direct-current low-voltage terminal 42 does not link with the control terminal groups 24 a to 24 d, enabling to prevent electromagnetic induction. Hence, stable operation of the IGBT chips and protection operation can be obtained without generating an induced electromotive force in the gate drive circuits of the IGBT chips, the temperature sensor circuits, etc.

Note that the preferred embodiments may be freely combined or may be appropriately modified or omitted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

While the invention has been shown and described in detail, the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It is therefore understood that numerous modifications and variations can be devised without departing from the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A power semiconductor device module comprising: a plurality of inverters, each having a first transistor and a second transistor, said first and second transistors being interposed in series between a first potential and a second potential and operating complementarily, and said plurality of inverters being assembled into a module, wherein only one predetermined inverter of said plurality of inverters is configured to detect temperatures of said first and second transistors, and control terminals for detection of the temperatures of said first and second transistors protrude from sides of the module.
 2. The power semiconductor device module according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of inverters share a common output terminal, said first transistors in a set serving as a side of said first potential operate in a common manner, said second transistors in a set serving as a side of said second potential operate in a common manner, and the set of said first transistors and the set of said second transistors operate complementarily.
 3. The power semiconductor device module according to claim 1, wherein a first terminal that provides said first potential and a second terminal that provides said second potential protrude outwardly from a side of the module so as to be close to each other.
 4. The power semiconductor device module according to claim 3, wherein said first and second terminals protrude outwardly from a side of the module from which control terminal groups of said second transistors serving as a side of said second potential protrude, and said second terminal protrudes from a location of said side of the module near said control terminal groups.
 5. The power semiconductor device module according to claim 3, wherein said first and second terminals protrude outwardly from a side in a direction differing by 90 degrees from a first side of the module from which first control terminal groups of said first transistors serving as a side of said first potential protrude, and from a second side of the module from which second control terminal groups of said second transistors serving as a side of said second potential protrude.
 6. The power semiconductor device module according to claim 1, wherein said one predetermined inverter is one of said plurality of inverters that includes a first and a second transistor which have the highest possibility of increasing in temperature upon operation. 